The Japanese Cultural Center (JCCC), Creators’ Lounge Inc. and a kimono media
platform company from Tokyo, SaQrown japan Inc. will host a culturally
reinvigorating event, 『 KIMONO DISCOVERY in Canada ~WA!i WA!i JAPAN~』
on September 10th(Sat), 2016.
Largest of its kind in the world outside Japan!-taking place in Toronto, Canada.
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◆ABOUT:
『 KIMONO DISCOVERY in Canada ~WA!i WA!i JAPAN~』 will be the first and
large-scale participatory event to familiarize the world with the wonders of
kimono outside of Japan. The event will stage a number of impeccable cultural
talents in Japanese dance and music, a cosplay and kimono fashion show. With
the theme of “Wai-wai”(i.e. sound of excitement), there will also be several
booths set up to participate and experience Japanese coiffure, kimono and many
more to discover what makes the country a special place.
The event theme: “WA!i WA!i” represents a Japanese onomatopoeia and various
ideas that the organizers hope to convey to the public.

① “Wai-wai” (ワイワイ)
The sound of excitement; to enjoy cultural practices with all 5 senses.
② “Wa + I” (和Wa: Japan) + (I: Self)
To embrace the experience of “wa”, a peaceful conformity to our lives.
③ “Wa + ai” (和/輪Wa: Harmony/Circle) + (愛Ai: Love)
To have an understanding and love for Japan’s cultural idea on “Wa” and
bring people together.
④ “Wa!” (わ！= Wow!)
An emotional expression from surprise.
⑤ “Wa-i” (Why)
A play on words of inviting people’s curiosity and an opportunity to think.

◆CONTENTS:
TAKARABUNE: Japan’s first Awa-Odori professional troupe
A professional dance & entertainment troupe , 寳船TAKARABUNE will make
their way to Canada for the first time to perform their world renown “Awaodori”;
a traditional dance with 400 years of history. The talented group has
brought waves of excitement and awed numerous countries as they touched the
hearts of many: JAPAN EXPO Paris, New York City, Rome, Berlin, Kowloon, Taipei,
and Srilanka to name a few. Light your heart on fire at this event and discover
the passion of Japan’s young generation.

KIMONO & COSPLAY FASHION SHOW
The stage will feature the vibrant color of Toronto’s finest fashionistas giving
light to the visual beauty of a kimono and Japan’s pop-culture.

EVENT BOOTHS
Enjoy the run of cultural booths to slip on a real kimono, Japanese coiffure, food,
sake and many more. This section will provide a variety of entertainment
ranging from traditional to pop-cultural experience from Japan.

The event will be taking place in Toronto’s Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre
(JCCC). The location is one of the largest and most vibrant Japanese cultural
centres in the world and have recognized individuals who made exceptional
contributions to Japan-Canada relations: including Prime Minister Brian
Mulroney, authors Joy Kogawa and Haruki Murakami, conductor Seiji Ozawa and
humans right activist and actor George Takei.

◆KIMONO DISCOVERY:
“Kimono Discovery” is a global event on Japanese traditional culture and a social
movement to reinvigorate the practice, understanding and industries of a
kimono.
Dispatching the fashion’s appeal in a diverse and creative way, the event hopes
to promote the understanding and interest of Japan to the world. Incorporating
the traditional passage with a new form of art, the culture we present will link
our past to the current and new generation of young people. We aim to have a
wider and deeper exchange in culture to attract more visitors to Japan and
increase the demand of a kimono.

AT THE EVENT
We will bring your attention to the origin of a Japanese mentality and the beauty
of our traditional techniques that has been passed on for generations.
Furthermore, we will put a spotlight on today’s issue of kimono industry’s
mechanization, lack of successors, and aging of traditional craftsmen.

KIMONO BIJIN
Based in Tokyo Japan, the “girl’s kimono media – KIMONO BIJIN” is an social
media website run by SaQrown japan Inc. to broaden the base of kimono
towards the dissemination of culture, reinvigorate traditional industries
domestically and internationally for a brighter future.

The website is a world’s first kimono community media selected and subsidized
by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Regional Revitalization and
Innovation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises/Regional Economic Structure
Reform 2016. It is scheduled to launch an English version later this year; the
announcement and overview of the plan will be presented at this event.

Kimono is a symbol of Japanese culture – an artistic fashion that proudly
represents the nation’s traditional techniques and wisdom to the world.
The kimono not only paints the city with vibrancy, but it also colors the inner
beauty that is invisible to the eye. Underneath the clothes lies a gem, a heart that
makes every women shine.

DISCOVERY – of a new found opportunity through Kimono.
DISCOVERY – in the traditional industry; paving the way
of a new form of entertainment & service.
DISCOVERY – of the world from Toronto. “Yours to Discover”

◆ ORGANIZERS
◉ Japanese Canadian Cultural (JCCC)
The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) represents the fulfillment of a long
held community vision celebrating the unique culture, history, and legacy of
Japanese Canadians for the benefit of all Canadians. Since 1964, the JCCC has
served as a home for the community and a place for Japanese Canadians to share
their heritage with the greater population. The JCCC is recognized across Canada
as an important and vibrant community institution. In 2009, JCCC has had Their
Majesties the Emperor and Empress and many other renown celebrities,
directors and performers visit.
◉ Creators’ Lounge Inc.
Creators’ Lounge is a unique communication agency providing memorable and
creative solutions to organize events, corporate branding and promotion,
introducing public relations production tools, creator and artist management,
Japan-Canada cultural exchange. Creators’ Lounge has strong ties with Japanese
companies and local community groups and organizes numerous events each year.

◉ SaQrown japan Inc.
SaQrown japan Inc. operates a girl’s kimono media – KIMONO BIJIN. It is the first
kimono social website with a mission to broaden the base of kimono; towards
the dissemination of culture, reinvigorate traditional industries domestically and
internationally for a brighter future. This project was evaluated and selected
among 120 companies based in Tokyo for a subsidized program by the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government (TMG). It is scheduled to release an English and
Chinese version soon with an extended function and services.